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Spatial Cognition of the Visually Impaired: A Case Study in a Familiar Environment

Author

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  • Xinyi Zou

    (School of Architecture, Southeast University, No. 2 Sipailou, Nanjing 210096, China)

  • Ying Zhou

    (School of Architecture, Southeast University, No. 2 Sipailou, Nanjing 210096, China)

Abstract

Objectives: This paper aims to explore the factors influencing the spatial cognition of the visually impaired in familiar environments. Background: Massage hospitals are some of the few places that can provide work for the visually impaired in China. Studying the spatial cognition of the visually impaired in a massage hospital could be instructive for the design of working environments for the visually impaired and other workplaces in the future. Methods: First, the subjective spatial cognition of the visually impaired was evaluated by object layout tasks for describing the spatial relationships among object parts. Second, physiological monitoring signal data, including the electrodermal activity, heart rate variability, and electroencephalography, were collected while the visually impaired doctors walked along prescribed routes based on the feature analysis of the physical environment in the hospital, and then their physiological monitoring signal data for each route were compared. The visual factors, physical environmental factors, and human–environment interactive factors that significantly impact the spatial cognition of visually impaired people were discussed. Conclusions: (1) visual acuity affects the spatial cognition of the visually impaired in familiar environments; (2) the spatial cognition of the visually impaired can be promoted by a longer staying time and the more regular sequence of a physical environment; (3) the spatial comfort of the visually impaired can be improved by increasing the amount of greenery; and (4) the visual comfort of the visually impaired can be reduced by rich interior colors and contrasting lattice floor tiles.

Suggested Citation

  • Xinyi Zou & Ying Zhou, 2023. "Spatial Cognition of the Visually Impaired: A Case Study in a Familiar Environment," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-21, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:3:p:1753-:d:1039525
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Na Chen & Ming Zhao & Kun Gao & Jun Zhao, 2020. "The Physiological Experimental Study on the Effect of Different Color of Safety Signs on a Virtual Subway Fire Escape—An Exploratory Case Study of Zijing Mountain Subway Station," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(16), pages 1-19, August.
    2. Tao Huang & Shihao Zhou & Xinyi Chen & Zhengsong Lin & Feng Gan, 2022. "Colour Preference and Healing in Digital Roaming Landscape: A Case Study of Mental Subhealth Populations," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(17), pages 1-19, September.
    3. Hisham E. Bilal Salih & Kazunori Takeda & Hideyuki Kobayashi & Toshibumi Kakizawa & Masayuki Kawamoto & Keiichi Zempo, 2022. "Use of Auditory Cues and Other Strategies as Sources of Spatial Information for People with Visual Impairment When Navigating Unfamiliar Environments," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(6), pages 1-16, March.
    4. Guangyin Shen & Ruiming Wang & Mengru Yang & Jiushu Xie, 2022. "Chinese Children with Congenital and Acquired Blindness Represent Concrete Concepts in Vertical Space through Tactile Perception," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(17), pages 1-18, September.
    5. Jiaxu Zhou & Xiaohu Jia & Guoqiang Xu & Junhan Jia & Rihan Hai & Chongsen Gao & Shuo Zhang, 2019. "The Relationship between Different Types of Alarm Sounds and Children’s Perceived Risk Based on Their Physiological Responses," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(24), pages 1-17, December.
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